Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Byrd Obituary
Jim was born on July 15, 1922 in Galatia to the late James LaCurgas and Nellie (LeTempt) Byrd. On January 12, 1941 he married Mariella Sprague, and she preceded him in death on August 11, 2007. Jim was a plumber by trade and a business owner. He operated LeTempt Plumbing and Heating in Harrisburg for over 60 years. Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church of Harrisburg. He loved the Lord along with his church family and Sunday School class. Jim was a member of Harrisburg Masonic Lodge #325 and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Valley of Southern Illinois. He was avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan, and outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish. He genuinely loved people and all sorts of animals.
Jim is survived by a daughter-in-law, Linda Gossett of Harrisburg, two grandchildren, Jamie Byrd and wife Lynn of Eldorado, and Ashley Green and husband Jeff of Evansville, Indiana; five great grandchildren, Ben Byrd and Bryant Byrd of Eldorado, and Jackson Green, Hope Green and Faith Green all of Evansville, Indiana; two nieces, Susan Kefier and husband Don, and Nancy Hefter.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mariella Byrd; son, Richard Fielding Byrd; parents, James and Nellie Byrd; brother, Charles Byrd; and sister Laura Slack Ray.
Funeral services for James Emerson "Jim" Byrd will be held at 3 PM, Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. Rev. Chris Winkleman will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Masonic rites will be conducted by the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge # 325 and will begin at 3 PM. Visitation will be held from 1PM to 3 PM, Thursday, April 4, 2024. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Harrisburg. Condolences may be left for the family on his obituary page at www.stricklinfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of James Emerson Byrd, please visit our floral store.
Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Helen J Arbic Goolsby
April 25, 2024
Jim was a "people person " always friendly and smiling.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
503 East Sloan Street, Harrisburg, IL 62946
Make a Donation
in James Byrd's name
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Byrd's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
